Kim In-ho, Chairman of Seoul Metropolitan Council, Sues Civic Group for Spreading False Information

Chairman Kim: "Malicious Political Manipulation Ahead of Local Elections Must Be Severely Punished"

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Ahead of the local elections, the Seomin Minsaeng Countermeasure Committee, which made political accusations, is now facing police investigation for intentional defamation and spreading false information.

Kim In-ho, Chairperson of the Seoul Metropolitan Council (Democratic Party, Dongdaemun District 3rd Constituency), on the 29th, filed a complaint against Kim Soon-hwan, Secretary General of the Seomin Minsaeng Countermeasure Committee, for false accusation and violation of the Information and Communications Network Act, urging a thorough investigation and severe punishment.

He also announced plans to hold responsible the internet news reporters who, without exercising at least a duty of care, colluded in spreading false information.

Previously, the Seomin Minsaeng Countermeasure Committee had reported Chairperson Kim In-ho to the police on charges including the Special Act on Prostitution. The committee claimed that between May and June 2020, Kim In-ho provided alcohol and sexual services at an entertainment establishment in Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, to 30 to 40 Seoul Metropolitan Council members and handed over envelopes of money.

This was criticized as being based on “rumors heard from anonymous informants,” in other words, relying on so-called 'kadeura' (hearsay) as grounds for the accusation.

In response, Chairperson Kim In-ho dismissed the allegations as a political ploy aimed at misleading public opinion through baseless slander and defamation as the local elections approached their final stages.

Kim strongly denied the allegations, stating they were “completely unfounded.” His position is that he is so innocent that no further explanation is necessary.

Regardless of Kim In-ho’s judgment that the accusations are worthless, his immediate counter-complaint appears to express his determination to block controversy early and to confront the old-fashioned politics that pollute elections with malicious defamation.

Kim In-ho stated, “This complaint case is being closely watched as a very serious matter that damages not only an individual but the honor of the Seoul Metropolitan Council and local councils as a whole,” and firmly declared, “We will also hold the media that published false information without even minimal verification, with the intent to recklessly accuse and slander, strictly accountable.”

He further defined “indiscriminate spreading of false information as a very serious crime that obstructs voters’ rational choice and fair elections,” and through the complaint, reiterated his call for thorough investigation and severe punishment of the accused who have damaged the values of local councils and democracy.